Holden HG
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 2
Introduction
The HG Holden was the final refinement of the HK-T series, and introduced the Australian-Built, three speed Tri-Matic automatic
transmission to the full size Holden's.
The model range was as before, with sedans, wagons, Monaro coupes and light commercial models in several levels of specification, plus the Brougham luxury saloon.
The Tri-Matic
transmission was standard on the Brougham and Premier and available on all other models as an option, except of course for the Monaro GTS 350, which was offered with either a 4 speed manual or the regular two speed
Powerglide automatic.
As well as a more elaborate plastic grille and cleaner body decorations, the HG had new safety features, colours and trim designs. Improved disc
brakes were now fitted to all V8 models, while the
suspension system of the Monaro GTS was modified for greater comfort.
This was possible because race duties had been taken over by the smaller Torana, so the Monaro no longer needed to be sold in 'Bathurst' trim.
All the HG changes, including the optional Tri-Matic
transmission and choice of 5 locally produced engines, were offered on the big selling range of Holden passenger-car derived light commercials.
The Model range included: Belmont Sedan, Belmont station wagon, Belmont panel van, Belmont utility, Kingswood sedan, Kingswood station wagon, Kingswood utility, Premier sedan, Premier station wagon, Brougham sedan, Monaro coupe, Monaro GTS coupe, Monaro GTS 350 coupe.
NOW own a fully rare HG Brougham.. *** pletely and original...dead straight and just puts all in awe...maybe looking at real works n enjoy your HG more than bag the poor antique ohhh thats right they all are around the 38 -41 yr old now ...maybe some wear does come ...
ALSO i found with one i owned with exactly same prob in a HK was DONT try to speed shift ! NOT A NEW PLASTIC ....They are just metal !
In the six years I owned it the engine was replaced once and the cylinder head three times.One mechanic even replaced the radiator when it was clearly the timing.
The three speed column shift was an absolute shonker and had a common fault of always jamming in first gear so opening the bonnet to adjust the linkage at the traffic lights in peak hour was the norm.Once again no mechanic had any answer for it even after having another column change fitted and it did it again.This car seemed to have some sort of terminal illness.
It was involved in a major accident and should have been written off but the insurance company resusitated it.
The HG a hard car to modify when as a young buck I found out the hard way.There is no room under the guards to put a set of mags and wide tyres unless the guards are flared by a panel beater.Even the EH and HR had more room to put a set of mags on.
It was eventually sold to a woman whom I caught up with six months later .She gave up on the first gear and started off in second.She resold it and the last time I saw it ,it was heading towards a major country town driven by two hippies and with a bit of luck never to be seen again.